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30 jobs at risk as Cumbrian chemical factory faces closure

A Flimby chemical company looks likely to close with the loss of more than 30 jobs.

Evonik Goldschmidt UK Ltd told workers on Wednesday that it was about to enter into a 30-day consultation period.

The company warned that unless a buyer could be found, the factory would close.

It is a huge blow for the Maryport area, coming only two weeks after the announcement of the possible closure of the Brookside food processing plant, where talks continue to try to save it.

Evonik, which manufactures fabric softener, will close because the global company has built a huge new plant in China to serve its Asian market.

Brian McAvoy, Flimby operations manager, said it meant the European side of the business would be supplying a smaller market, leading to a decision to consolidate production in fewer sites.

He said: “The Flimby site, which opened in 1972, is an excellent factory with a good environmental record. However, it has been chosen as being surplus to requirements because it is not a complex enough site to carry out several operations.”

Evonik managing director Clive Gould and German-based vice president Michael Passmann were both on site this week when the news was delivered to the workers.

Mr Gould said: “The information was not good news for employees and our priority must be to ensure they are kept fully informed as the consultation develops, while fully and fairly supporting them through the process.”

He said every opportunity would be made to help employees find work either within the company or by encouraging the sale of the plant.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world and employs more than 33,500 people.

Have your say

I try to make sure I do not buy products made in China. There are two websites that help, 'Not made in China' and 'Proudly not made in China'. I shall find out which products they will produce in China and no longer buy them. I will also inform these two sites that this company is moving there.